if_o a_o man_n doubt_n whether_o the_o action_n enjoin_v by_o authority_n be_v sinful_a or_o no_o yet_o if_o he_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o act_v against_o his_o private_a doubt_n he_o can_v do_v that_o action_n without_o sin_n but_o then_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o his_o be_v false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v it_o be_v he_o sin_v also_o in_o disobey_v if_o he_o be_v mistake_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n four_o if_o a_o man_n have_v be_v so_o extreme_o careless_a in_o learn_v his_o duty_n that_o he_o doubt_v of_o the_o plain_a matter_n in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v high_o accountable_a for_o do_v that_o which_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n though_o he_o do_v it_o pure_o in_o obedience_n to_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v set_v over_o he_o and_o pure_o in_o compliance_n with_o this_o true_a principle_n that_o in_o doubtful_a case_n we_o must_v be_v guide_v by_o our_o superior_n for_o certain_o if_o a_o sinful_a thing_n be_v command_v not_o only_o he_o that_o command_v but_o he_o that_o obey_v also_o must_v answer_v for_o it_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o doubt_o or_o with_o a_o persuasion_n of_o its_o lawfulness_n only_o we_o must_v remember_v first_o that_o this_o be_v true_a only_a in_o such_o case_n where_o the_o man_n may_v have_v know_v his_o duty_n have_v he_o not_o be_v careless_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o doubtful_a because_o he_o want_v mean_n or_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v himself_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o sin_n before_o god_n though_o he_o break_v god_n law_n second_o that_o when_o this_o case_n happen_v the_o sin_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o obey_v his_o superior_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n but_o in_o his_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v know_v to_o be_v sinful_a if_o he_o have_v be_v so_o careful_a as_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v for_o obey_v his_o superior_n whether_o with_o a_o doubt_n or_o without_o one_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n five_o i_o premise_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o superior_n be_v for_o the_o overrule_a a_o private_a doubt_n it_o must_v not_o destroy_v the_o truth_n or_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o the_o forego_n rule_n in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o double_a doubt_n because_o the_o case_n of_o obey_v superior_n when_o we_o doubt_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o their_o command_n be_v a_o double_a doubt_n as_o proper_o as_o any_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v two_o to_o one_o more_o probable_a that_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a than_o that_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v not_o obey_v it_o by_o the_o first_o rule_n but_o then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o will_v not_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o there_o be_v usual_o such_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o disobey_v as_o will_v outweigh_v all_o the_o probability_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o make_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o obey_v however_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a a_o man_n false_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v sinfiul_a will_v not_o excuse_v he_o unless_o his_o mistake_n be_v such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o rectify_v these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o plain_a question_n be_v this_o whether_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o pure_a doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o action_n where_o the_o probability_n be_v on_o both_o side_n pretty_a equal_a and_o where_o likewise_o the_o man_n concern_v have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v for_o the_o satisfy_n himself_o whether_o i_o say_v in_o this_o case_n the_o command_n of_o a_o lawful_a superior_a do_v not_o oblige_v the_o man_n to_o do_v that_o of_o which_o he_o doubt_v i_o affirm_v it_o do_v oblige_v he_o so_o to_o do_v and_o therefore_o 2._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o assertion_n and_o first_o modesty_n oblige_v we_o to_o pay_v as_o much_o deference_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o superior_n as_o this_o come_v to_o if_o a_o doubt_n shall_v arise_v about_o the_o 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in_o our_o case_n the_o superior_a assert_v his_o right_n and_o command_v the_o subject_n question_v his_o right_n because_o he_o doubt_n whether_o the_o command_n be_v not_o sinful_a but_o since_o the_o superior_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o authority_n to_o command_v the_o subject_n must_v by_o no_o mean_n by_o his_o disobedience_n dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o authority_n till_o he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o disobey_v than_o to_o obey_v but_o this_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o reason_n be_v suppose_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n three_o since_o in_o all_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v a_o common_a rule_n that_o the_o safe_a side_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v safe_a to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n for_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a law_n of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v superior_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v unlawful_a the_o only_a hazard_n we_o run_v be_v of_o transgress_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o which_o perhaps_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v or_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o know_v but_o in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n it_o be_v very_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o thing_n or_o no_o and_o if_o the_o command_n be_v lawful_a than_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o transgress_v a_o plain_a law_n which_o we_o can_v but_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a importance_n to_o mankind_n four_o since_o in_o all_o case_n we_o must_v do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v other_o do_v to_o we_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o our_o own_o inferior_n to_o contradict_v our_o rule_n upon_o pretence_n of_o doubt_v about_o their_o be_v lawful_a if_o a_o parent_n shall_v command_v his_o son_n to_o sit_v uncover_v before_o he_o or_o a_o master_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o dress_v a_o dinner_n on_o the_o lord's-day_n and_o either_o of_o they_o shall_v refuse_v to_o do_v so_o because_o he_o be_v not_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v lawful_a will_v not_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o master_n say_v i_o be_o to_o judge_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o you_o to_o do_v and_o you_o must_v not_o think_v by_o your_o foolish_a doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o control_v my_o command_n i_o dare_v say_v most_o man_n will_v think_v this_o a_o very_a just_a reply_n and_o if_o so_o than_o our_o superior_a also_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o pure_o doubtful_a case_n notwithstanding_o our_o doubt_n and_o if_o we_o think_v otherwise_o it_o be_v because_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o interest_n be_v concern_v and_o we_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o five_o if_o superior_n may_v not_o determine_v in_o mere_o doubtful_a case_n their_o authority_n signify_v nothing_o nor_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n for_o there_o be_v no_o indifferent_a thing_n but_o some_o person_n or_o other_o will_v doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a and_o if_o such_o a_o doubt_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v obedience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n but_o perpetual_a confusion_n for_o instance_n if_o a_o prince_n make_v war_n and_o every_o ignorant_a and_o unexperienced_a subject_n may_v lawful_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n in_o case_n he_o doubt_n whether_o that_o war_n be_v lawful_a or_o no_o what_o a_o sad_a case_n will_v that_o kingdom_n be_v in_o but_o these_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o flow_v must_v needs_o be_v think_v intolerable_a also_o 3._o have_v thus_o prove_v my_o assertion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o answer_v the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v on_o the_o other_o side_n
god_n own_o law_n in_o the_o other_o we_o only_o obey_v man_n because_o god_n have_v oblige_v we_o in_o general_a to_o obey_v our_o superior_n god_n command_v every_o subject_a to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o who_o tribute_n be_v due_a but_o human_a authority_n determine_v out_o of_o what_o good_n and_o in_o what_o proportion_n he_o must_v pay_v now_o because_o human_a authority_n interpose_v if_o a_o man_n can_v by_o fraud_n detain_v the_o king_n be_v right_a do_v he_o incur_v no_o other_o guilt_n than_o break_v a_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o penalty_n if_o he_o be_v detect_v yes_o certain_o for_o tribute_n be_v enjoin_v by_o god_n law_n the_o man_n be_v unjust_a and_o break_v god_n law_n and_o his_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v the_o penalty_n do_v not_o lessen_v his_o guilt_n the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o church-vnity_n for_o though_o human_a law_n prescribe_v particular_a circumstance_n and_o form_n of_o worship_n yet_o god_n law_n oblige_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n as_o much_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o king_n his_o due_n and_o that_o man_n that_o pay_v his_o just_a debt_n by_o such_o a_o method_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n declare_v to_o be_v unjust_a may_v as_o well_o acquit_v himself_o from_o knavery_n before_o god_n as_o that_o man_n that_o choose_v a_o way_n of_o public_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church-law_n can_v acquit_v himself_o of_o schism_n before_o god_n nay_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v human_a law_n grant_v a_o toleration_n and_o call_v no_o man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o separation_n from_o the_o establish_a church_n yet_o such_o a_o separation_n will_v still_o be_v a_o schism_n and_o a_o sin_n against_o god_n for_o no_o human_a law_n can_v make_v that_o lawful_a which_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v v._o it_o remain_v that_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o conscience_n in_o his_o action_n that_o be_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_n or_o not_o act_v when_o we_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o judgement_n that_o the_o action_n be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o god_n now_o our_o judgement_n concern_v what_o god_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v or_o leave_v indifferent_a be_v either_o right_a or_o wrong_n if_o right_a we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o right_a conscience_n if_o wrong_n we_o have_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n there_o be_v also_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n when_o we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n at_o all_o but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v treat_v in_o another_o place_n now_o if_o our_o conscience_n or_o judgement_n be_v right_a that_o be_v according_a to_o god_n law_n without_o doubt_n we_o be_v forever_o bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o nor_o can_v we_o sin_v in_o do_v so_o whatever_o the_o consequence_n be_v but_o the_o great_a question_n be_v what_o we_o must_v do_v when_o our_o conscience_n be_v erroneous_a and_o mistake_v and_o to_o answer_v this_o i_o lay_v down_o three_o rule_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v any_o man_n satisfaction_n first_o where_o a_o man_n be_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n even_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o though_o we_o take_v a_o sin_n for_o a_o duty_n or_o a_o duty_n for_o a_o sin_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v thus_o persuade_v it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o act_v against_o this_o persuasion_n because_o by_o so_o do_v we_o act_n against_o the_o best_a light_n we_o have_v at_o present_a and_o therefore_o our_o will_n be_v as_o wicked_a as_o if_o it_o act_v against_o a_o true_a light_n nothing_o but_o conscience_n can_v guide_v our_o action_n and_o though_o a_o eroneous_a conscience_n be_v a_o very_a bad_a and_o unsafe_a guide_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v the_o only_a guide_n we_o have_v and_o if_o we_o may_v lawful_o refuse_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o one_o instance_n we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n reject_v its_o guidance_n in_o all_o what_o be_v a_o wilful_a sin_n or_o a_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n but_o act_v otherwise_o than_o we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o that_o man_n think_v sincere_a that_o act_n as_o he_o believe_v and_o that_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n that_o act_n otherwise_o whether_o his_o judgement_n be_v true_a or_o false_a he_o who_o be_v under_o a_o mistake_n act_n contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n will_v certain_o upon_o the_o same_o temptation_n act_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v his_o judgement_n never_o so_o well_o inform_v and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v as_o bad_a in_o the_o one_o case_n as_o in_o the_o other_o he_o be_v equal_o a_o sinner_n as_o to_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o crime_n though_o indeed_o in_o other_o respect_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o case_n shall_v a_o jew_n turn_n christian_n or_o a_o papist_n turn_v protestant_n while_o yet_o they_o believe_v their_o former_a religion_n to_o be_v true_a we_o shall_v all_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v great_a villain_n and_o hypocrite_n because_o they_o do_v it_o upon_o base_a principle_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o their_o judgement_n nay_o we_o shall_v all_o think_v more_o favourable_o of_o a_o protestant_n that_o be_v seduce_v by_o a_o cunning_a papist_n do_v real_o out_o of_o conscience_n go_v over_o to_o the_o romanist_n than_o of_o such_o person_n all_o this_o put_v together_o show_v that_o no_o man_n can_v in_o any_o case_n act_n against_o his_o judgement_n but_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n in_o so_o do_v second_o the_o mistake_n of_o a_o man_n judgement_n may_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n so_o it_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o for_o that_o action_n be_v good_a and_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o that_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o he_o have_v forbid_v it_o be_v not_o our_o opinion_n but_o his_o law_n that_o make_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v be_v forever_o oblige_v to_o do_v some_o action_n and_o forbear_v other_o whatever_o our_o judgement_n be_v because_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o the_o moral_a goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o action_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o man_n opinion_n then_o duty_n and_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o most_o uncertain_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o day_n will_v be_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n as_o any_o man_n opinion_n alter_v but_o such_o consequence_n be_v intolerable_a and_o therefore_o though_o a_o man_n do_v follow_v his_o judgement_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o too_o if_o his_o judgement_n lead_v he_o to_o act_v against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o every_o action_n according_a to_o a_o mistake_a judgement_n be_v sinful_a but_o that_o a_o man_n mistake_n may_v be_v such_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_n either_o against_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o for_o a_o man_n may_v often_o mistake_v and_o yet_o not_o sin_n provide_v his_o mistake_n do_v not_o lead_v he_o to_o a_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n for_o first_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v command_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o pray_v seven_o or_o three_o time_n a_o day_n he_o be_v certain_o mistake_v because_o god_n have_v bind_v he_o up_o to_o neither_o and_o therefore_o since_o god_n have_v not_o command_v the_o contrary_a he_o may_v safe_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n nay_o so_o long_o as_o his_o mistake_n continue_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v so_o second_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n which_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v as_o if_o he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o play_v at_o card_n in_o this_o case_n he_o may_v follow_v his_o false_a opinion_n without_o sin_n nay_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o follow_v it_o because_o since_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v it_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o follow_v his_o mistake_a conscience_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o it_o but_o then_o in_o other_o case_n when_o a_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a or_o indifferent_a which_o god_n command_v or_o that_o to_o be_v lawful_a or_o a_o duty_n which_o god_n forbid_v here_o the_o mistake_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o act_v against_o his_o judgement_n or_o
according_a to_o it_o three_o therefore_o for_o the_o untie_n this_o great_a difficulty_n i_o say_v that_o the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n of_o a_o man_n follow_v a_o mistake_v judgement_n be_v the_o faultiness_n or_o innocence_n of_o the_o mistake_n upon_o which_o he_o act_v for_o according_a as_o this_o be_v so_o will_v his_o guilt_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o be_v either_o great_a or_o less_o or_o none_o at_o all_o if_o the_o mistake_v be_v such_o as_o a_o honest_a mind_a man_n may_v make_v if_o he_o do_v his_o best_a to_o understand_v his_o duty_n and_o want_v mean_n to_o know_v it_o better_o then_o we_o think_v he_o innocent_a and_o not_o proper_o guilty_a of_o any_o sin_n though_o the_o action_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n for_o no_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v and_o whatever_o a_o man_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o since_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v better_o his_o mistake_n and_o act_v according_a to_o his_o mistake_n be_v not_o sinful_a the_o only_a point_n be_v this_o whether_o the_o man_n be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o his_o erroneous_a conscience_n or_o no._n if_o the_o error_n be_v not_o his_o own_o fault_n he_o do_v not_o sin_n in_o act_v according_a to_o it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o inform_v his_o conscience_n better_o and_o yet_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v though_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n then_o the_o man_n sin_n while_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n under_o the_o mistake_n and_o his_o sin_n be_v great_a or_o less_o in_o proportion_n to_o his_o negligence_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o god_n enable_v all_o man_n to_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o that_o none_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v but_o those_o who_o wilful_o embrace_v false_a principle_n fall_v into_o sin_n whether_o they_o act_v according_a to_o their_o conscience_n or_o against_o it_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o proceed_v to_o my_o first_o intend_a business_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o separate_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o it_o be_v against_o their_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o in_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v clear_v this_o point_n i_o shall_v do_v two_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v separate_v those_o who_o can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o nonconformity_n from_o those_o that_o can_v for_o a_o great_a many_o that_o pretend_v conscience_n refuse_v communion_n with_o we_o upon_o another_o principle_n second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v distinguish_v the_o true_a pretender_n to_o conscience_n from_o the_o false_a one_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o his_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o say_v that_o it_o be_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o can_v communicate_v with_o we_o without_o sin_v against_o god_n in_o so_o do_v for_o god_n law_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n to_o judge_v whether_o a_o action_n be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a and_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o man_n judgement_n of_o a_o action_n whether_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n or_o a_o sin_n or_o indifferent_a by_o that_o rule_n so_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v any_o action_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v command_v or_o forbid_v it_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n unless_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n law_n have_v forbid_v he_o to_o join_v with_o we_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n direct_o sinful_a may_v notwithstanding_o think_v it_o his_o duty_n to_o join_v constant_o with_o other_o for_o his_o great_a edification_n or_o the_o like_a cause_n i_o answer_v that_o my_o proposition_n still_o hold_v because_o he_o think_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v by_o god_n law_n to_o join_v with_o other_o which_o law_n he_o must_v not_o break_v by_o leave_v they_o to_o join_v with_o we_o again_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n unlawful_a but_o only_a doubt_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o it_o may_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v i_o answer_v that_o if_o he_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o he_o think_v that_o our_o communion_n be_v forbid_v by_o god_n so_o long_o as_o his_o doubt_n remain_v but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o act_v with_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n than_o it_o can_v go_v against_o his_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o we_o so_o that_o my_o proposition_n remain_v true_a that_o none_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o nonconformity_n but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o they_o can_v join_v with_o we_o without_o sin_n now_o since_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o certain_o true_a how_o many_o man_n pretence_n to_o conscience_n for_o their_o separate_n from_o we_o be_v hereby_o cut_v off_o for_o first_o those_o that_o separate_v either_o because_o they_o have_v be_v disoblige_v by_o some_o churchman_n or_o to_o please_v a_o relation_n or_o increase_v their_o fortune_n or_o procure_v or_o regain_v a_o reputation_n or_o for_o any_o other_o worldly_a consideration_n can_v plead_v conscience_n for_o separation_n nor_o second_o can_v those_o lay-people_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o hear_v their_o belove_a teacher_n in_o conventicle_n since_o they_o can_v hear_v they_o in_o our_o church_n and_o who_o will_v join_v with_o we_o if_o we_o will_v suffer_v those_o godly_a man_n to_o preach_v nor_o three_o those_o who_o dislike_v form_n of_o prayer_n ceremony_n etc._n etc._n think_v they_o not_o convenient_a though_o they_o do_v not_o judge_v they_o to_o be_v sinful_a nor_o four_o those_o who_o separate_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o edification_n or_o acquaintance_n with_o person_n of_o another_o persuasion_n or_o because_o many_o godly_a person_n condemn_v our_o way_n all_o these_o i_o say_v can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n because_o neither_o fancy_n nor_o example_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o any_o man_n conscience_n but_o only_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o such_o person_n can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n because_o they_o do_v not_o think_v our_o communion_n to_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n law_n nor_o five_o can_v those_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o think_v that_o our_o governor_n have_v encroach_v too_o much_o upon_o christian_a liberty_n and_o lay_v too_o much_o stress_n upon_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o suppose_v the_o governor_n be_v be_v faulty_a in_o it_o yet_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o long_o as_o the_o thing_n command_v do_v not_o interfere_v with_o any_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o sixthly_a can_v those_o just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n who_o can_v join_v with_o we_o sometime_o both_o in_o prayer_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o our_o communion_n be_v sinful_a with_o what_o conscience_n do_v they_o dare_v to_o join_v in_o it_o at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a once_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n always_o but_o leave_v these_o false_a pretender_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o can_v just_o plead_v conscience_n for_o their_o separation_n or_o who_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o join_v with_o we_o for_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o those_o that_o plead_v a_o doubt_a conscience_n afterward_o in_o a_o particular_a discourse_n second_o therefore_o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o far_o this_o plea_n of_o conscience_n when_o true_o make_v will_v justify_v any_o dissenter_n that_o continue_v in_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n for_o there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v they_o will_v join_v with_o we_o with_o all_o their_o heart_n but_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v they_o can_v do_v it_o without_o sin_n for_o they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n to_o use_v form_n of_o prayer_n the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o like_a and_o sure_o say_v they_o you_o will_v not_o have_v we_o join_v in_o these_o practice_n which_o we_o very_o believe_v to_o be_v sin_n they_o be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v in_o
a_o answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n plea_n for_o separation_n or_o a_o abridgement_n of_o the_o london_n case_n wherein_o the_o substance_n of_o those_o book_n be_v digest_v into_o one_o short_a and_o plain_a discourse_n cambridge_z print_v at_o the_o university_n press_n for_o alexander_n bosvile_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o dial_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1700._o imprimatur_fw-la gul._n dawes_n procan_n humf_n gower_z ss_z theol._n pro_fw-la d_o na_fw-fr margareta_n prof._n gul._n saywell_n coll._n jes_n praefect_n ja._n johnson_n coll._n sid._n s._n magist_n the_o preface_n that_o collection_n of_o case_n and_o other_o discourse_n which_o be_v late_o write_v by_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o the_o conform_v clergy_n to_o recover_v dissenter_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v meet_v with_o such_o a_o universal_a approbation_n that_o i_o need_v not_o speak_v any_o thing_n in_o commendation_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v wave_v all_o discourse_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o only_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o this_o abridgement_n the_o collection_n itself_o be_v large_a and_o dear_a it_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o less_o bulk_n and_o small_a price_n that_o those_o person_n who_o have_v not_o either_o money_n to_o buy_v or_o time_n to_o peruse_v so_o big_a a_o volume_n may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o upon_o easy_a term_n this_o i_o presume_v will_v justify_v my_o design_n if_o i_o have_v not_o fail_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o i_o have_v use_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o avoid_v obscurity_n and_o all_o those_o other_o fault_n which_o be_v often_o charge_v upon_o abridgement_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v venture_v to_o say_v i_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v material_a though_o the_o number_n of_o these_o sheet_n be_v not_o the_o six_o part_n of_o those_o that_o contain_v the_o original_a for_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o collection_n do_v frequent_o glance_v and_o sometime_o discourse_v large_o upon_o the_o same_o subject_a so_o that_o by_o avoid_v repetition_n and_o blending_a all_o the_o substance_n together_o i_o have_v much_o lessen_v the_o expense_n of_o money_n and_o time_n this_o and_o some_o other_o advantage_n arise_v from_o the_o digestion_n into_o chapter_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v gain_v if_o i_o have_v make_v a_o distinct_a abridgement_n of_o every_o single_a discourse_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v fair_o represent_v the_o sense_n of_o my_o author_n but_o if_o i_o have_v mistake_v or_o injure_v it_o in_o any_o particular_a i_o be_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o do_v hearty_o beg_v pardon_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reader_n the_o 11_o the_o and_o 12_o the_o chapter_n i_o be_o sure_a be_v exact_a for_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o a._n bp._n of_o york_n own_o correction_n for_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o return_v his_o grace_n my_o humble_a thanks_o other_o part_n i_o have_v submit_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o worthy_a person_n to_o who_o judgement_n i_o shall_v ever_o pay_v the_o great_a deference_n but_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v myself_o for_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v no_o assistance_n in_o and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o correct_v i_o when_o he_o find_v occasion_n i_o have_v follow_v not_o only_o my_o own_o opinion_n but_o the_o direction_n of_o several_a very_a judicious_a person_n in_o the_o omission_n of_o a._n bishop_n tillotson_n discourse_n of_o frequent_a communion_n which_o be_v whole_o foreign_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o collection_n the_o quotation_n in_o the_o london_n edit_n 1698._o which_o i_o follow_v be_v very_o bad_o print_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o mistake_n of_o that_o nature_n have_v creep_v into_o this_o book_n i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v charge_v upon_o i_o many_o of_o they_o appear_v false_a at_o first_o view_n and_o many_o i_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o but_o some_o of_o they_o i_o have_v venture_v to_o correct_v god_n almighty_a grant_n that_o this_o weak_a endeavour_n may_v be_v of_o some_o service_n at_o least_o towards_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o division_n which_o have_v endanger_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n st._n john_n coll._n in_o cambridge_n octob._n 2d_o 1699._o tho._n bennet_n a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o book_n the_o substance_n of_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o abridgement_n 1._o archbishop_z tennison_n argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n 2._o archbishop_z sharp_n discourse_v concern_v conscience_n in_o two_o part_n 3._o bishop_n grove_n persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4._o bishop_n patrick_n discourse_n of_o profit_v by_o sermon_n 5._o bishop_n fowler_n be_v resolution_n of_o this_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n symbolise_n so_o far_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v it_o unlawful_a to_o hold_v communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 6._o his_o defence_n of_o the_o resolution_n etc._n etc._n 7._o bishop_n williams_n case_n of_o lay-communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 8._o his_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n use_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 9_o his_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n etc._n etc._n 10._o dr._n hooper_n church_n of_o england_n free_a from_o the_o imputation_n of_o popery_n 11._o dr._n sherlock_n resolution_n of_o some_o case_n of_o conscience_n which_o respect_n church-communion_n 12._o his_o letter_n to_o anonymus_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o his_o three_o letter_n to_o dr._n sherlock_n about_o church-communion_n 13._o dr._n hicks_n case_n of_o infant-baptism_n 14._o dr._n freeman_n case_n of_o mixt-communion_n 15._o dr._n hascard_n discourse_n about_o edification_n 16._o dr._n calamy_n discourse_n about_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n 17._o his_o consideration_n about_o the_o case_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n 18._o dr._n scott_n case_n of_o conscience_n resolve_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o join_v with_o form_n of_o prayer_n in_o public_a worship_n in_o two_o part_n 19_o dr._n claget_n answer_n to_o the_o dissenter_n objection_n against_o the_o common_a prayer_n etc._n etc._n 20._o dr._n resbury_n case_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n 21._o dr._n cave_n serious_a exhortation_n with_o some_o important_a advice_n relate_v to_o the_o late_a case_n about_o conformity_n 22._o mr._n evans_n case_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n pag._n 1_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o live_v in_o constant_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n pag._n 15_o chap._n ii_o the_o use_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n no_o objection_n against_o our_o communion_n pag._n 31_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o form_n of_o prayer_n pag._n 48_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v pag._n 90_o chap._n v._o of_o infant-baptism_n pag._n 103_o chap._n vi_o objection_n against_o our_o form_n of_o baptism_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n answer_v pag._n 126_o chap._n vii_o objection_n against_o our_o communion-office_n and_o particular_o that_o of_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n answer_v pag._n 135_o chap._n viii_o the_o objection_n of_o our_o symbolise_n or_o agree_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n answer_v pag._n 171_o chap._n ix_o the_o objection_n of_o mixt-communion_n answer_v pag._n 194_o chap._n x._o the_o pretence_n of_o pure_a ordinance_n and_o better_a edification_n among_o the_o dissenter_n answer_v pag._n 210_o chap._n xi_o the_o pretence_n of_o its_o be_v against_o one_o conscience_n to_o join_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n answer_v pag._n 228_o chap._n xii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o doubt_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 249_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v pag._n 277_o chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v pag._n 292_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o earnest_a persuasive_a to_o communion_n with_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n pag._n 309_o the_o introduction_n contain_v a_o argument_n for_o union_n take_v from_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o those_o dissenter_n in_o england_n who_o profess_v and_o call_v themselves_o protestant_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o overthrow_v a_o church_n be_v first_o to_o divide_v it_o and_o that_o our_o dissension_n be_v division_n proper_o so_o call_v how_o mortal_a these_o breach_n may_v at_o last_o prove_v any_o
also_o upon_o other_o occasion_n which_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n 4._o since_o this_o gift_n of_o express_v our_o mind_n be_v not_o appropriate_v to_o prayer_n it_o may_v be_v as_o lawful_o omit_v in_o prayer_n as_o in_o any_o other_o purpose_n which_o it_o be_v design_v for_o for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o omit_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o elocution_n than_o he_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n may_v not_o lawful_o use_v a_o form_n in_o petition_v his_o prince_n or_o in_o a_o court_n of_o justice_n but_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o these_o case_n as_o a_o man_n see_v occasion_n than_o it_o be_v equal_o lawful_a to_o omit_v it_o in_o prayer_n in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n have_v two_o gift_n he_o may_v use_v which_o he_o please_v and_o since_o we_o have_v other_o mean_n of_o prayer_n none_o be_v oblige_v to_o use_v his_o ability_n to_o pray_v extempore_o 5._o use_v a_o form_n be_v as_o much_o a_o mean_n of_o public_a devotion_n as_o pray_v extempore_o because_o the_o end_n of_o public_a prayer_n be_v at_o least_o as_o effectual_o serve_v by_o a_o form_n as_o by_o a_o conceive_a prayer_n now_o since_o there_o be_v two_o mean_n of_o prayer_n and_o both_o can_v be_v use_v at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o one_o may_v be_v lawful_o omit_v and_o consequent_o the_o use_n of_o a_o form_n which_o be_v one_o mean_n be_v not_o a_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o the_o other_o 4._o the_o last_o objection_n be_v that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o want_n of_o christian_n can_v be_v so_o well_o express_v in_o one_o constant_a form_n as_o in_o conceive_v prayer_n because_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n be_v infinite_o variable_a and_o require_v suitable_a petition_n and_o thanksgiving_n which_o the_o minister_n can_v otherwise_o provide_v than_o by_o pray_v extempore_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a case_n and_o necessity_n of_o christian_n be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v more_o full_o comprehend_v in_o a_o form_n than_o in_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o public_a prayer_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n ought_v not_o to_o descend_v to_o particular_a case_n but_o only_o to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o all_o and_o what_o every_o one_o may_v true_o and_o sincere_o join_v with_o now_o a_o form_n will_v express_v they_o much_o better_a than_o a_o extempore_o prayer_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o omission_n 2._o form_n can_v make_v as_o good_a provision_n for_o extraordinary_a case_n as_o extempore_o prayer_n for_o as_o for_o those_o that_o can_v be_v foresee_v such_o as_o the_o want_n of_o rain_n fair_a weather_n etc._n etc._n there_o may_v be_v form_n compose_v for_o they_o aforehand_o and_o as_o for_o other_o that_o can_v be_v fore-seen_a form_n may_v be_v provide_v when_o they_o happen_v and_o this_o have_v ever_o be_v do_v in_o our_o church_n 3._o if_o form_n must_v not_o be_v use_v because_o they_o do_v not_o always_o reach_v extraordinary_a case_n certain_o extempore_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o omission_n they_o will_v not_o always_o reach_v even_o ordinary_a case_n in_o a_o word_n it_o appear_v that_o all_o extraordinary_a case_n may_v be_v very_o well_o provide_v for_o by_o form_n but_o suppose_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o since_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o use_n of_o form_n be_v upon_o sundry_a account_n of_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o public_a devotion_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o spoil_v the_o church_n of_o they_o and_o leave_v she_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o extempore_o effusion_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o contingency_n which_o may_v happen_v but_o very_o rare_o if_o at_o all_o in_o a_o whole_a age._n iii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o prove_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o imposition_n of_o form_n may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o and_o for_o this_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o since_o the_o use_n of_o public_a form_n be_v lawful_a in_o itself_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_o comply_v with_o because_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n that_o a_o man_n may_v lawful_o do_v a_o lawful_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v enjoin_v by_o authority_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n that_o form_n of_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a also_o chap._n iu_o objection_n against_o our_o morning_n and_o evening_n service_n and_o litany_n answer_v have_v justify_v form_n of_o prayer_n in_o general_n my_o duty_n and_o method_n oblige_v i_o to_o justify_v that_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o particular_a i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v always_o think_v the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v rather_o have_v invite_v protestant_n to_o our_o communion_n than_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o it_o and_o i_o believe_v if_o the_o dissenter_n will_v serious_o read_v over_o dr._n beverege_n sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common-prayer_n they_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n but_o alas_o this_o very_a liturgy_n be_v that_o which_o many_o person_n be_v incense_v against_o it_o have_v be_v cry_v down_o as_o idolatrous_a popish_a superstitious_a etc._n etc._n it_o be_v true_a we_o do_v not_o now_o so_o often_o hear_v those_o bitter_a exclamation_n of_o rome_n and_o babylon_n baal_n and_o dagon_n for_o the_o common-prayer_n be_v not_o now_o esteem_v such_o a_o abominable_a thing_n as_o some_o ignorant_a and_o heady_a zealot_n be_v wont_a to_o count_v it_o but_o yet_o some_o objection_n be_v still_o insist_v upon_o to_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o return_v a_o fair_a answer_n 1._o then_o it_o be_v object_v that_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n in_o our_o liturgy_n be_v too_o general_a and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a sin_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v distinct_o confess_v of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n but_o i_o desire_v the_o objector_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n in_o public_a worship_n which_o require_v more_o caution_n and_o prudence_n in_o the_o order_n of_o it_o than_o that_o confession_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o whole_a congregation_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o prevent_v its_o being_n either_o too_o general_a or_o too_o particular_a the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o different_a person_n must_v join_v in_o it_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o some_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o grievous_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o so_o that_o all_o person_n can_v possible_o make_v the_o same_o particular_a confession_n but_o i_o think_v our_o confession_n viz._n the_o daily_a one_o and_o that_o in_o the_o communion-office_n be_v so_o judicious_o frame_v as_o to_o avoid_v both_o extreme_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v all_o person_n may_v profitable_o use_v they_o however_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n after_o the_o minister_n have_v recite_v each_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v as_o particular_a as_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v and_o by_o this_o a_o man_n may_v confess_v all_o his_o know_a offence_n in_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n if_o a_o man_n must_v not_o use_v a_o confession_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v mend_v he_o must_v never_o confess_v at_o all_o and_o if_o a_o form_n of_o confession_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o wise_a dissenter_n i_o suppose_v no_o more_o will_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v profitable_o use_v now_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o our_o form_n and_o aught_o to_o end_v the_o dispute_n indeed_o there_o be_v example_n of_o jeremiah_n nehemiah_n etc._n etc._n confess_v such_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o but_o this_o be_v do_v upon_o solemn_a humiliation_n for_o those_o know_v and_o public_a idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o have_v bring_v god_n heavy_a judgement_n upon_o they_o or_o for_o common_a and_o scandalous_a transgression_n afterward_o they_o consider_v themselves_o as_o a_o part_n of_o the_o community_n which_o have_v provoke_v god_n and_o they_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o calamity_n and_o in_o the_o confession_n as_o if_o they_o have_v offend_v as_o great_o as_o their_o countryman_n but_o i_o conceive_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o those_o confession_n upon_o such_o public_a humiliation_n and_o those_o that_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o ordinary_a service_n of_o the_o church_n i_o may_v add_v that_o particular_a confession_n be_v more_o proper_o the_o matter_n of_o private_a devotion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o practice_v strict_a examination_n and_o secret_a contrition_n in_o our_o closet_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v our_o affection_n prepare_v to_o comply_v with_o those_o
more_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n which_o we_o make_v with_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o we_o shall_v then_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o those_o confession_n be_v too_o general_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o move_v we_o because_o this_o will_v cure_v the_o deadness_n of_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v common_o most_o to_o blame_v when_o we_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o mean_n that_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o 2._o the_o next_o objection_n be_v the_o shortness_n of_o our_o collect_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o prayer_n be_v often_o sudden_o break_v off_o and_o then_o begin_v again_o and_o this_o be_v think_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o gravity_n wherewith_o this_o duty_n ought_v to_o be_v perform_v nor_o so_o likely_a a_o mean_n of_o exciting_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o people_n as_o one_o continue_a form_n of_o prayer_n that_o may_v be_v as_o long_o as_o all_o those_o put_v together_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o mere_a shortness_n of_o a_o prayer_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v since_o that_o will_v disparage_v the_o form_n which_o christ_n teach_v his_o disciple_n 2._o that_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o prove_v that_o many_o of_o these_o short_a prayer_n be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n one_o immediate_o after_o another_o be_v either_o not_o so_o grave_a or_o not_o so_o edify_v as_o one_o continue_v form_n for_o the_o work_n of_o pray_v be_v as_o much_o continue_v all_o the_o while_n as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o continue_a form_n because_o we_o pass_v from_o one_o petition_n to_o another_o or_o from_o one_o matter_n of_o invocation_n to_o another_o as_o immediate_o as_o if_o the_o distinct_a form_n be_v all_o bring_v into_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o nay_o the_o attention_n of_o the_o people_n be_v rather_o help_v by_o the_o frequency_n of_o say_v amen_o and_o their_o godly_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o prayer_n may_v be_v keep_v alive_a and_o more_o effectual_o secure_v by_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n so_o often_o as_o we_o do_v beside_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n somewhat_o often_o by_o his_o attribute_n maintain_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o reverend_a sense_n of_o his_o majestic_a presence_n which_o we_o all_o know_v be_v needful_a to_o make_v we_o pray_v as_o we_o ought_v and_o the_o frequency_n of_o mention_v christ_n merit_n and_o mediation_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v it_o be_v also_o the_o peculiar_a character_n of_o christian_a devotion_n and_o distinguish_v we_o from_o the_o papist_n in_o declare_v our_o detestation_n of_o call_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n or_o any_o other_o but_o that_o of_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o say_v amen_o and_o break_v off_o our_o prayer_n too_o often_o i_o reply_v that_o all_o wise_a and_o humble_a man_n will_v submit_v themselves_o in_o that_o case_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o superior_n 3._o some_z except_z against_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o of_o glory_n be_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o like_a because_o they_o think_v our_o saviour_n forbid_v it_o by_o say_v when_o you_o pray_v use_v not_o vain_a repetition_n but_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n caution_n against_o vain_a repetition_n that_o some_o repetition_n be_v not_o vain_a and_o consequent_o not_o forbid_v this_o must_v be_v suppose_v because_o he_o himself_o when_o in_o his_o agony_n pray_v thrice_o in_o the_o same_o word_n now_o christ_n forbid_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o vain_a repetition_n proceed_v from_o a_o affectation_n of_o speak_v much_o or_o from_o a_o belief_n that_o god_n will_v not_o help_v they_o unless_o they_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o in_o a_o tedious_a manner_n but_o the_o repetition_n of_o good_a prayer_n be_v nothing_o like_o their_o practice_n repetition_n be_v not_o vain_a if_o two_o thing_n be_v regard_v 1._o that_o the_o matter_n be_v very_o weighty_a and_o apt_a to_o move_v those_o pious_a affection_n which_o god_n be_v most_o please_v with_o in_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o dare_v say_v our_o repetition_n be_v secure_v from_o vanity_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v frame_v with_o judgement_n that_o they_o come_v in_o fit_o and_o in_o due_a place_n and_o not_o too_o often_o and_o these_o rule_n be_v observe_v in_o our_o liturgy_n for_o as_o none_o do_v ever_o blame_v the_o disposal_n of_o our_o repetition_n so_o none_o can_v just_o blame_v the_o sequency_n of_o they_o for_o our_o repetition_n be_v very_o few_o but_o if_o our_o number_n be_v too_o great_a what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o 136_o psalm_n where_o his_o mercy_n endure_v forever_o be_v repeat_v 26_o time_n to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n i_o desire_v those_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o approve_v our_o repetition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n etc._n etc._n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o spend_v the_o time_n it_o take_v up_o more_o profitable_o than_o by_o join_v in_o good_a earnest_n with_o the_o congregation_n in_o these_o prayer_n .._o 4._o some_o person_n dislike_v the_o responsal_n of_o the_o congregation_n and_o the_o people_n say_v the_o confession_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n after_o the_o minister_n and_o their_o alternate_a recite_v the_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n and_o some_o petition_n in_o the_o daily_a service_n now_o i_o beg_v these_o man_n to_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v often_o say_v viz._n that_o this_o way_n be_v apt_a to_o check_v a_o wander_a spirit_n to_o help_v attention_n and_o quicken_v a_o lively_a zeal_n in_o god_n service_n whilst_o we_o invite_v and_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o pray_v and_o give_v thanks_o they_o say_v indeed_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n in_o god_n public_a service_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o grant_v the_o minister_n to_o be_v appoint_v for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n yet_o it_o must_v not_o be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o make_v all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o religious_a assembly_n unlawful_a to_o the_o people_n for_o then_o the_o people_n must_v not_o say_v amen_o which_o be_v a_o short_a responsal_n to_o the_o minister_n nor_o must_v they_o join_v in_o sing_v psalm_n which_o oftentimes_o contain_v matter_n of_o prayer_n 2._o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n to_o god_n or_o that_o no_o prayer_n must_v be_v offer_v up_o in_o religious_a assembly_n otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o minister_n it_o be_v true_a the_o minister_n be_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o people_n in_o all_o those_o prayer_n which_o he_o utter_v for_o they_o and_o because_o these_o be_v many_o more_o than_o what_o the_o people_n themselves_o utter_v he_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v their_o mouth_n to_o god_n comparative_o but_o not_o absolute_o it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o the_o minister_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o people_n in_o all_o public_a service_n appertain_v to_o god_n if_o this_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o most_o part_n or_o of_o all_o with_o little_a exception_n some_o public_a service_n be_v pronounce_v by_o he_o only_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v fit_a he_o shall_v ever_o utter_v most_o of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o those_o wherein_o the_o people_n have_v their_o part_n he_o shall_v ever_o go_v before_o and_o lead_v they_o and_o guide_v the_o whole_a performance_n which_o be_v all_o take_a care_n for_o in_o our_o liturgy_n nay_o the_o dissenter_n themselves_o do_v not_o utter_o debar_v the_o people_n from_o all_o vocal_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n of_o their_o own_o in_o god_n solemn_a worship_n for_o they_o allow_v the_o people_n to_o sing_v psalm_n and_o why_o then_o may_v they_o not_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o the_o hymn_n and_o psalm_n by_o alternate_a response_n i_o can_v see_v why_o sing_v or_o not_o sing_v shall_v make_v such_o a_o difference_n it_o be_v better_o if_o they_o be_v every_o where_o sing_v because_o it_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o they_o than_o bear_v recite_v be_v but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sing_v the_o next_o use_n of_o they_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o design_n be_v recite_v they_o by_o answer_v in_o turn_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v with_o we_o for_o this_o be_v much_o near_a to_o sing_v than_o the_o minister_n recite_v all_o himself_o but_o say_v they_o the_o people_n verse_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o some_o of_o the_o congregation_n since_o in_o the_o confuse_a murmur_n of_o so_o many_o voice_n
descend_v to_o be_v looker_n on_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v of_o their_o courage_n and_o behaviour_n at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o give_v their_o attendance_n to_o grace_v that_o solemnity_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o these_o ancient_a writer_n theodoret_n agree_v who_o in_o a_o dialogue_n between_o a_o orthodox_n christian_n and_o a_o heretic_n bring_v in_o orthodoxus_n thus_o discourse_v of_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o mysterious_a symbol_n or_o sign_n in_o the_o sacrament_n viz._n bread_n and_o wine_n depart_v not_o from_o their_o proper_a nature_n for_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o former_a essence_n and_o keep_v their_o former_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o approve_v themselves_o both_o to_o our_o sight_n and_o touch_v to_o be_v as_o they_o be_v before_o edit_fw-la before_o dialog_n 2._o to._n 4._o p._n 85._o paris_n edit_fw-la but_o they_o be_v consider_v for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v make_v that_o be_v in_o respect_n to_o their_o spiritual_a 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pslamist_n when_o he_o exhort_v man_n to_o exalt_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o worship_v his_o footstool_n he_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n in_o these_o word_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o belong_v unto_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o lord_n incarnation_n and_o then_o go_v on_o to_o show_v for_o what_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o that_o mystery_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v thus_o by_o the_o footstool_n therefore_o be_v the_o earth_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o by_o the_o earth_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n which_o at_o this_o day_n too_o we_o adore_v in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o the_o apostle_n worship_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n etc._n etc._n st._n austin_n bishop_n of_o hippo_n comment_n on_o the_o very_a same_o word_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n for_o thus_o he_o resolve_v that_o question_n how_o or_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n may_v be_v worship_v without_o impiety_n because_o he_o take_v earth_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o flesh_n be_v of_o 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upon_o the_o forecited_a word_n of_o saint_n ambrose_n i_o think_v it_o appear_v evident_a from_o these_o few_o instance_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n use_v a_o posture_n of_o adoration_n at_o the_o communion_n in_o the_o act_n of_o receive_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o bring_v a_o cloud_n of_o other_o witness_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a so_o to_o do_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o clear_v the_o cause_n in_o hand_n but_o since_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o clog_v the_o discourse_n with_o numerous_a reference_n and_o appeal_v to_o antiquity_n it_o will_v but_o obscure_v the_o argument_n and_o tend_v in_o all_o likelihood_n rather_o to_o confound_v and_o distaste_v than_o convince_v and_o gratify_v the_o reader_n by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n in_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v sufficient_o justify_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o pure_a and_o primitive_a christianity_n for_o if_o the_o ancient_n do_v 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this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o god_n public_a worship_n be_v perform_v among_o we_o with_o so_o little_a reverence_n and_o devotion_n as_o it_o be_v but_o i_o will_v transcribe_v no_o more_o only_o i_o shall_v earnest_o desire_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o you_o will_v consider_v serious_o how_o you_o will_v have_v like_v what_o i_o have_v transcribe_v from_o mr._n hildersham_n if_o one_o of_o our_o man_n have_v preach_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o add_v that_o for_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o congregation_n assemble_v may_v be_v decent_a and_o comely_a and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n house_n to_o be_v careless_a about_o the_o neatness_n of_o it_o if_o you_o will_v have_v think_v it_o unprofitable_a then_o consider_v why_o such_o thing_n as_o please_v out_o of_o one_o man_n mouth_n shall_v displease_v out_o of_o another_o be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o partiality_n make_v you_o not_o profit_v by_o our_o sermon_n or_o if_o you_o can_v not_o like_o such_o discourse_n either_o from_o nonconformist_n or_o our_o minister_n then_o be_v you_o not_o mistake_v about_o profit_v by_o sermon_n when_o you_o think_v those_o discourse_n unprofitable_a which_o sober_a man_n of_o all_o side_n have_v think_v necessary_a for_o mr._n hildersham_n say_v profaneness_n and_o atheism_n have_v make_v we_o too_o void_a of_o all_o care_n in_o beautify_v the_o house_n of_o god_n second_o if_o you_o think_v such_o a_o sermon_n profitable_a consider_v whether_o you_o have_v learn_v so_o much_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o to_o study_v and_o observe_v those_o rule_n do_v you_o for_o instance_n pay_v reverence_n to_o god_n house_n and_o come_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o service_n and_o stand_v up_o and_o kneel_v with_o the_o congregation_n &_o c_o if_o you_o do_v not_o than_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o our_o sermon_n that_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v for_o you_o do_v not_o profit_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o which_o plain_o teach_v these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v if_o we_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o build_v we_o up_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o poor_a excuse_n for_o our_o divide_v from_o it_o that_o we_o hope_v to_o be_v better_o edify_v when_o we_o have_v no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o to_o hope_v it_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n upon_o this_o pretence_n for_o it_o be_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o any_o man_n skill_n in_o dispense_n they_o that_o can_v make_v the_o word_n and_o ordinance_n any_o way_n beneficial_a to_o we_o with_o the_o help_n of_o his_o grace_n those_o mean_n of_o instruction_n which_o we_o undervalue_v most_o may_v be_v profitable_a to_o our_o salvation_n without_o it_o our_o ear_n may_v be_v tickle_v and_o our_o fancy_n pleasant_o entertain_v for_o the_o time_n but_o 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for_o it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o these_o matter_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o principle_n i_o mean_v to_o proceed_v upon_o by_o treat_v distinct_o on_o these_o five_o head_n 1._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n 2._o of_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n 3._o of_o the_o power_n of_o human_a law_n to_o oblige_v the_o conscience_n and_o particular_o 4._o in_o the_o instance_n of_o church-communion_n 5._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n or_o how_o far_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o in_o his_o action_n i._o then_o to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o conscience_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o every_o man_n do_v real_o mean_a by_o that_o word_n when_o he_o have_v occasion_n to_o use_v it_o now_o as_o to_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o a_o man_n never_o speak_v of_o his_o conscience_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o own_o action_n we_o do_v not_o for_o instance_n make_v it_o a_o point_n of_o conscience_n whether_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o whether_o a_o accident_n be_v prosperous_a or_o unfortunate_a or_o whether_o another_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o these_o thing_n indeed_o may_v please_v or_o trouble_v we_o but_o our_o conscience_n be_v affect_v only_o with_o that_o which_o be_v willing_o do_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o we_o or_o which_o we_o may_v do_v or_o may_v forbear_v second_o we_o never_o use_v the_o word_n conscience_n about_o our_o action_n but_o only_o so_o far_o as_o those_o action_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o law_n or_o rule_n with_o which_o if_o they_o agree_v they_o be_v good_a and_o if_o they_o disagree_v they_o be_v evil_a three_o our_o action_n as_o we_o concern_v our_o conscience_n in_o they_o be_v either_o already_o do_v or_o not_o already_o do_v but_o whether_o they_o be_v do_v or_o not_o do_v whether_o past_a or_o future_a they_o be_v either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v duty_n or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o they_o be_v sin_n or_o neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v and_o so_o they_o be_v indifferent_a action_n our_o action_n i_o say_v do_v not_o touch_v our_o conscience_n but_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o these_o consideration_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n for_o first_o if_o the_o action_n be_v not_o already_o do_v we_o think_v it_o either_o command_v by_o god_n and_o say_v we_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n or_o think_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o say_v it_o be_v against_o our_o conscience_n or_o we_o think_v it_o a_o sin_n to_o do_v it_o or_o else_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a and_o say_v we_o may_v do_v it_o with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n that_o be_v we_o believe_v the_o action_n may_v be_v do_v without_o transgress_v any_o law_n of_o god_n this_o be_v undeniable_o every_o man_n meaning_n when_o he_o talk_v of_o conscience_n as_o to_o action_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v second_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o our_o action_n that_o be_v do_v and_o pass_v say_v my_o conscience_n bear_v i_o witness_v or_o i_o be_o satisfy_v or_o trouble_v in_o conscience_n for_o do_v what_o i_o have_v do_v we_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o this_o that_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o action_n we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v either_o do_v as_o we_o be_v convince_v we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o we_o or_o not_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o trouble_v we_o but_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o conscience_n to_o wit_n our_o judgement_n and_o persuasion_n concern_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v only_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n conscience_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o guide_n of_o action_n to_o be_v do_v and_o in_o the_o second_o sort_n as_o the_o witness_n of_o those_o that_o be_v already_o do_v but_o in_o both_o sort_n conscience_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o wit_n the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n concern_v the_o morality_n of_o his_o action_n this_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o conscience_n in_o general_a but_o if_o we_o put_v epithet_n to_o it_o and_o talk_v of_o a_o good_a or_o evil_a conscience_n a_o tender_a conscience_n or_o the_o like_a than_o it_o include_v more_o than_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n it_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v say_v that_o conscience_n must_v always_o have_v a_o rule_n to_o follow_v for_o since_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n about_o action_n as_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o indifferent_a it_o be_v certain_a a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o measure_n by_o apply_v
whether_o they_o may_v lawful_o separate_v from_o we_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sort_n though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n it_o be_v more_o safe_a to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o a_o man_n have_v no_o doubt_n than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n hold_v only_o in_o such_o case_n where_o a_o man_n may_v forbear_v the_o action_n without_o danger_n of_o sin_v though_o he_o can_v do_v it_o without_o danger_n of_o sin_v but_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o as_o there_o may_v be_v sin_v in_o conform_v so_o there_o be_v certain_o danger_n of_o sin_v in_o not_o conform_v nor_o be_v it_o more_o safe_a to_o separate_v in_o case_n of_o a_o single_a doubt_n than_o of_o a_o double_a one_o for_o the_o man_n who_o be_v satisfy_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o may_v lawful_o cut_v himself_o off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o constant_a disobedience_n to_o his_o superior_n which_o thing_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n law_n must_v needs_o be_v gross_o and_o criminal_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n and_o therefore_o his_o be_v satisfy_v about_o such_o sin_n will_v not_o excuse_v he_o because_o he_o be_v able_a and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o know_v better_o nay_o further_o though_o god_n have_v leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o we_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o obey_v our_o superior_n or_o no_o though_o the_o case_n be_v real_o that_o of_o a_o single_a doubt_n though_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o forbear_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o only_a danger_n be_v in_o do_v they_o yet_o i_o say_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o conform_v than_o to_o separate_a notwithstanding_o for_o though_o in_o a_o single_a doubt_n a_o man_n be_v to_o choose_v that_o side_n on_o which_o he_o have_v no_o doubt_n rather_o than_o that_o on_o which_o he_o doubt_v yet_o this_o rule_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o hold_v unless_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a and_o therefore_o if_o a_o great_a good_a may_v be_v obtain_v or_o a_o great_a evil_n avoid_v by_o act_v on_o the_o doubtful_a side_n that_o consideration_n ought_v to_o turn_v the_o balance_n and_o over-rule_v the_o doubt_n as_o i_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o law_n and_o certain_o if_o weighty_a consideration_n ought_v to_o overbalance_n a_o single_a doubt_n in_o any_o case_n then_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o security_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o many_o public_a and_o private_a mischief_n that_o attend_v separation_n aught_o to_o prevail_v in_o this_o of_o we_o and_o oblige_v man_n to_o conform_v and_o i_o wish_v this_o be_v well_o consider_v by_o our_o doubt_a dissenter_n as_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n who_o doubt_v both_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o conform_v and_o also_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o separate_n from_o we_o i_o say_v first_o if_o the_o probability_n appear_v pretty_a equal_a on_o both_o side_n than_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o obey_v authority_n as_o i_o prove_v in_o the_o three_o general_a head_n of_o this_o discourse_n second_o if_o they_o think_v it_o more_o probable_a that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o conform_v than_o that_o they_o ought_v then_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o superior_n alone_o have_v not_o weight_n enough_o to_o turn_v the_o balance_n yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o the_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n of_o separation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o oblige_v they_o to_o conform_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o three_o prop._n about_o a_o double_a doubt_n p._n 256_o 257._o now_o let_v any_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v between_o we_o and_o our_o dissenter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o thing_n they_o doubt_v of_o be_v not_o direct_o forbid_v by_o god_n and_o if_o they_o be_v forbid_v by_o consequence_n those_o consequence_n be_v so_o obscure_a that_o though_o such_o usage_n have_v ever_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n yet_o they_o be_v never_o condemn_v as_o sinful_a till_o our_o day_n and_o even_o now_o these_o consequence_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o our_o superior_n no_o not_o by_o as_o great_a and_o good_a divine_n of_o all_o persuasion_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o far_o great_a number_n and_o those_o as_o pious_a and_o able_a as_o any_o do_v plain_o own_v our_o injunction_n to_o be_v innocent_a at_o least_o if_o not_o apostolical_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v all_o mistake_v it_o can_v at_o most_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n in_o a_o ordinary_a person_n where_o so_o many_o of_o the_o best_a guide_n be_v mistake_v if_o he_o shall_v transgress_v but_o now_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o our_o governor_n be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o our_o communion_n lawful_a then_o how_o great_a a_o sin_n be_v they_o guilty_a of_o in_o break_v the_o law_n of_o church-vnity_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o in_o such_o instance_n where_o the_o whole_a catholic_a church_n of_o old_a and_o the_o great_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n from_o they_o the_o consequence_n also_o of_o their_o separation_n be_v most_o dreadful_a for_o by_o it_o they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o keep_v up_o those_o discord_n and_o animosity_n in_o the_o church_n which_o have_v tear_v the_o bowel_n of_o it_o and_o cause_v atheism_n and_o profaneness_n to_o overspread_v it_o they_o affront_v their_o governor_n give_v scandal_n to_o all_o peaceable_a person_n and_o offer_v a_o very_a fair_a pretence_n to_o factious_a man_n to_o practice_v against_o the_o best_a of_o goverment_n so_o they_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o ruin_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o it_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o any_o doubt_n about_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o our_o communion_n and_o all_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o doubt_n have_v weight_n enough_o to_o balance_n against_o such_o a_o sin_n and_o such_o consequence_n certain_o a_o unconcern_v person_n will_v pronounce_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o conform_v rather_o than_o to_o separate_a and_o that_o be_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o chap._n xiii_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n answer_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n in_o treat_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o it_o 2._o observe_v some_o few_o thing_n concern_v it_o 3._o offer_v some_o plain_a rule_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o we_o may_v best_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o first_o then_o conscience_n be_v a_o man_n judgement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n or_o evil_n or_o his_o action_n and_o a_o scrupulous_a conscience_n be_v a_o scrupulous_a judgement_n concern_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o consist_v either_o 1._o in_o strict_o tie_v up_o ourselves_o to_o some_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v as_o the_o pharisee_n make_v great_a conscience_n of_o wash_v before_o meat_n etc._n etc._n and_o observe_v such_o usage_n as_o religious_o as_o the_o most_o indisputable_a command_n of_o god_n or_o 2._o in_o a_o conscientious_a abstain_v from_o some_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n unlawful_a doubt_v and_o fear_v where_o no_o fear_n be_v think_v that_o god_n be_v as_o much_o offend_v by_o our_o eat_v some_o kind_n of_o meat_n or_o wear_v some_o garment_n as_o by_o adultery_n or_o murder_n and_o be_v more_o precise_a about_o little_a matter_n than_o other_o good_a christian_n be_v or_o ourselves_o ought_v to_o be_v second_o concern_v this_o scrupulous_a conscience_n we_o may_v observe_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o sickly_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o state_n of_o infirmity_n arise_v from_o a_o want_n of_o right_a understanding_n our_o religion_n from_o timerousness_n melancholy_a and_o prejudice_n now_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o virtue_n or_o commendable_a quality_n in_o we_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v sickly_a and_o often_o indispose_v a_o good_a conscience_n be_v firm_a and_o steady_a well_o settle_v and_o resolve_v but_o such_o needless_a scruple_n be_v at_o the_o best_a a_o sign_n of_o a_o ungoverned_a fancy_n and_o a_o weak_a judgement_n just_a as_o the_o niceness_n and_o squeamishness_n of_o a_o man_n stomach_n that_o distaste_v wholesome_a food_n be_v a_o symptom_n of_o a_o unsound_a and_o unhealthy_a body_n 2._o it_o be_v often_o a_o sign_n of_o hypocrisy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n and_o hope_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o their_o gross_a transgression_n in_o other_o case_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n
man_n he_o that_o mind_v those_o thing_n most_o on_o which_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o prayer_n for_o christ_n sake_n do_v depend_v will_v not_o need_v new_a phrase_n every_o time_n to_o raise_v his_o affection_n and_o the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v concern_v about_o the_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n the_o less_o afraid_a will_v he_o be_v of_o offend_a god_n by_o kneel_v at_o it_o for_o he_o will_v find_v that_o true_a religion_n consist_v in_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o holiness_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n which_o make_v a_o man_n real_o better_a and_o more_o like_a to_o god_n 3._o if_o man_n be_v but_o real_o will_v to_o receive_v satisfaction_n this_o alone_a will_v half_o conquer_v their_o scruple_n but_o when_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o they_o and_o nourish_v they_o and_o will_v neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o can_v be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o recover_v they_o to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v they_o come_v once_o to_o distrust_v their_o own_o judgement_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v all_o this_o while_n mistake_v will_v they_o calm_o and_o patient_o hear_v faithful_o and_o impartial_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v or_o write_v against_o they_o as_o eager_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o man_n do_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o any_o disease_n they_o be_v subject_a unto_o will_v they_o i_o say_v thus_o diligent_o use_v all_o fit_a mean_n and_o help_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o their_o scruple_n before_o they_o trouble_v the_o church_n with_o they_o it_o will_v not_o prove_v so_o very_o difficult_a a_o task_n to_o convince_v and_o settle_v such_o teachable_a mind_n when_o they_o have_v any_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n about_o their_o worldly_a concern_v they_o present_o repair_v to_o those_o who_o be_v best_a skill_a and_o most_o able_a to_o resolve_v they_o and_o in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n they_o common_o acquiesce_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o have_v any_o man_n a_o scruple_n about_o his_o estate_n whether_o it_o be_v firm_o settle_v or_o he_o have_v a_o true_a legal_a title_n to_o it_o the_o way_n he_o take_v for_o satisfaction_n be_v to_o advise_v with_o lawyer_n the_o most_o eminent_a for_o knowledge_n and_o honesty_n in_o their_o profession_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n this_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n he_o can_v have_v that_o it_o be_v right_a and_o safe_a thus_o be_v it_o with_o one_o that_o doubt_v whether_o such_o a_o custom_n or_o practice_n be_v for_o his_o health_n the_o opinion_n of_o know_a and_o experience_a physician_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o determine_v he_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o here_o when_o any_o private_a christian_a be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n that_o concern_v his_o duty_n or_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n he_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o public_a guide_n and_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n and_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o direct_v and_o conduct_v he_o i_o say_v to_o come_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o and_o pert_o to_o oppose_v they_o but_o with_o modesty_n to_o propound_v their_o doubt_n and_o meek_o to_o receive_v instruction_n humble_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o evil_a affection_n love_v of_o a_o party_n or_o carnal_a interest_n influence_n or_o bias_n their_o judgement_n i_o do_v not_o by_o this_o desire_n man_n to_o pin_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o priest_n sleeve_n but_o only_o diligent_o to_o attend_v to_o their_o reason_n and_o argument_n and_o to_o give_v some_o due_a regard_n to_o their_o authority_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absurd_a as_o some_o may_v imagine_v for_o the_o common_a people_n to_o take_v upon_o trust_n from_o their_o lawful_a teacher_n what_o they_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o themselves_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o a_o private_a christian_a shall_v govern_v himself_o when_o the_o very_a minister_n of_o religion_n disagree_v by_o what_o rule_n shall_v he_o choose_v his_o guide_n i_o answer_v 1._o if_o a_o man_n be_v tolerable_o able_a to_o judge_n for_o himself_o let_v he_o impartial_o hear_v both_o side_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o change_v his_o mind_n when_o he_o see_v good_a reason_n for_o it_o can_v we_o thus_o prevail_v with_o the_o people_n diligent_o to_o examine_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n our_o church_n will_v every_o day_n gain_v more_o ground_n among_o all_o wise_a men._n for_o we_o care_v not_o how_o much_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n our_o people_n have_v so_o they_o be_v but_o humble_a and_o modest_a with_o it_o nor_o do_v we_o desire_v man_n to_o become_v our_o proselyte_n any_o further_a than_o we_o give_v they_o good_a scripture_n and_o reason_n for_o it_o 2._o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o judge_v they_o have_v better_o depend_v on_o those_o minister_n who_o be_v regular_o and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n set_v over_o they_o than_o on_o any_o other_o teacher_n that_o they_o can_v choose_v for_o themselves_o i_o speak_v now_o of_o these_o present_a controversy_n about_o form_n and_o ceremony_n which_o be_v above_o the_o sphere_n of_o common_a people_n not_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n when_o therefore_o in_o such_o case_n about_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o satisfy_v ourselves_o we_o follow_v the_o advice_n of_o the_o authorize_v guide_n if_o they_o chance_v to_o mislead_v we_o we_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o our_o error_n be_v more_o excusable_a as_o be_v occasion_v by_o those_o who_o judgement_n god_n command_v we_o to_o respect_v but_o when_o we_o choose_v instructor_n according_a to_o our_o own_o fancy_n if_o we_o then_o prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o be_v betray_v into_o sin_n we_o may_v thank_v our_o own_o wantonness_n for_o it_o and_o be_v more_o severe_o accountable_a for_o such_o mistake_n thus_o if_o a_o sick_a person_n shall_v miscarry_v under_o a_o license_v physician_n he_o have_v this_o contentment_n that_o he_o use_v the_o wise_a mean_n for_o recovery_n but_o if_o he_o will_v hearken_v only_o to_o quack_n and_o then_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o he_o must_v charge_v his_o own_o folly_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n 4._o we_o shall_v thorough_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v necessary_a and_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a that_o be_v necessary_a or_o our_o duty_n which_o god_n have_v express_o command_v that_o be_v sinful_a which_o god_n have_v forbid_v that_o be_v lawful_a which_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o law_n oblige_v we_o either_o command_v or_o forbid_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n say_v the_o apostle_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n rom._n 4.15_o there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n but_o either_o omit_v what_o the_o law_n command_v or_o do_v what_o the_o law_n forbid_v for_o instance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v where_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v forbid_v in_o scripture_n and_o sit_v be_v require_v where_o pray_v by_o a_o form_n be_v forbid_v and_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v enjoin_v then_o indeed_o the_o dispute_n will_v soon_o be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o if_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o other_o can_v be_v find_v as_o most_o certain_o they_o can_v then_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o read_v prayer_n out_o of_o a_o book_n must_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n lawful_a and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o scruple_v they_o because_o they_o may_v be_v do_v without_o sin_n nay_o where_o they_o be_v require_v by_o our_o superior_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o because_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o convince_a and_o can_v be_v evade_v but_o by_o give_v another_o notion_n of_o lawful_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o nothing_o be_v lawful_a especial_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v not_o prescribe_v and_o appoint_v or_o that_o have_v be_v abuse_v to_o evil_a purpose_n but_o have_v full_o confute_v these_o two_o mistake_v in_o the_o second_o and_o eight_o chapter_n i_o shall_v pass_v they_o over_o here_o 5._o i_o desire_v those_o who_o scruple_n to_o comply_v with_o our_o church_n to_o consider_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v any_o public_a constitution_n that_o will_v be_v every_o way_n unexceptionable_a the_o
to_o this_o principle_n no_o public_a law_n and_o constitution_n can_v be_v valid_a and_o bind_a unless_o every_o scrupulous_a though_o a_o very_a ignorant_a conscience_n consent_n to_o they_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o mind_n or_o stand_v upon_o our_o scruple_n when_o they_o probable_o occasion_v a_o great_a evil_n or_o general_a mischief_n they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o unity_n of_o christian_n suppose_v for_o once_o that_o our_o public_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v devise_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v amend_v in_o our_o liturgy_n that_o we_o can_v invent_v a_o more_o agreeable_a establishment_n than_o this_o present_n be_v which_o yet_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v ever_o tell_v for_o we_o can_v know_v all_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o any_o alteration_n till_o it_o come_v to_o be_v try_v yet_o grant_v all_o this_o it_o can_v be_v think_v so_o intolerable_a a_o evil_n as_o contempt_n of_o god_n solemn_a worship_n divide_v into_o sect_n and_o party_n live_v in_o debate_n contention_n and_o separation_n from_o one_o another_o if_o there_o be_v some_o rite_n and_o custom_n among_o we_o not_o wise_o choose_v or_o determine_v some_o ceremony_n against_o which_o just_a exception_n may_v be_v make_v yet_o to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o such_o a_o true_a church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o set_v up_o a_o distinct_a altar_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o to_o combine_v and_o associate_v into_o separate_a congregation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v somewhere_o express_v like_o knock_v a_o man_n on_o the_o head_n because_o his_o tooth_n be_v rot_v or_o his_o nail_n too_o long_o how_o much_o more_o agreeable_a be_v it_o to_o the_o christian_a temper_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o sacrifice_v all_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o public_a order_n and_o divine_a charity_n for_o better_o sure_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o a_o defective_a manner_n to_o bear_v with_o many_o disorder_n and_o fault_n than_o to_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o brotherly_n communion_n chap._n fourteen_o the_o pretence_n of_o scandal_n or_o give_v offence_n to_o weak_a brethren_n answer_v but_o there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v indeed_o themselves_o sufficient_o persuade_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o all_o that_o be_v enjoin_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o then_o there_o be_v many_o other_o godly_a but_o weak_a christian_n of_o another_o persuasion_n with_o who_o they_o have_v long_o be_v join_v and_o shall_v they_o now_o total_o forsake_v they_o and_o conform_v they_o shall_v thereby_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o all_o those_o tender_a conscience_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o convince_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o hold_v communion_n with_o our_o church_n which_o sin_n say_v they_o be_v so_o very_o great_a that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 18.6_o whosoever_o shall_v offend_v one_o of_o these_o little_a one_o which_o believe_v in_o i_o it_o be_v better_o for_o he_o that_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o that_o he_o be_v drown_v in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o st._n paul_n account_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o spiritual_a murder_n a_o destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v rom._n 14.15_o these_o person_n i_o design_v to_o answer_v in_o this_o chapter_n by_o show_v that_o no_o private_a christian_n as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v among_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o absent_v himself_o from_o his_o parish-church_n for_o fear_n of_o offend_a or_o scandalize_a his_o weak_a brethren_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o inquire_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n 2._o what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o 3._o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o instance_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o brother_n i._o then_o a_o weak_a brother_n or_o weak_a in_o faith_n in_o scripture_n language_n denote_v one_o new_o convert_v to_o christianity_n and_o so_o neither_o thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n nor_o well_o settle_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o same_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v a_o little_a one_o and_o the_o apostle_n a_o babe_n in_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 3.1_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v call_v our_o new-birth_n and_o the_o convert_v be_v for_o a_o while_n reckon_v as_o in_o a_o infant_n state_n and_o according_o be_v to_o be_v most_o gentle_o use_v till_o by_o degree_n by_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o knowledge_n they_o come_v to_o be_v of_o full_a age_n heb._n 5.14_o they_o be_v at_o first_o to_o be_v feed_v with_o milk_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a doctrine_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o lest_o they_o shall_v sudden_o fly_v back_o and_o repent_v of_o their_o change_n for_o they_o have_v be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n retain_v still_o a_o great_a love_n for_o many_o of_o their_o old_a custom_n and_o opinion_n they_o have_v mighty_a and_o inveterate_a prejudices_fw-la to_o overcome_v the_o old_a man_n be_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v put_v off_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o first_o treat_v with_o all_o the_o tenderness_n and_o condescension_n imaginable_a the_o strong_a and_o wise_a christian_n will_v not_o stand_v rigid_o on_o any_o little_a matter_n but_o tolerate_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a afterward_o to_o be_v do_v away_o hope_v that_o in_o time_n they_o may_v be_v bring_v off_o those_o mistake_v they_o now_o labour_v under_o hence_o i_o observe_v 1._o that_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n concern_v weak_a brethren_n be_v not_o stand_v law_n equal_o oblige_v all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n but_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o infant-state_n of_o the_o church_n till_o christianity_n have_v get_v firm_a foot_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n design_n in_o all_o his_o compliance_n be_v to_o win_v many_o to_o christ_n 1_o cor._n 9.19_o now_o to_o do_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v will_v always_o be_v the_o duty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o one_o in_o his_o circumstance_n who_o be_v to_o spread_v christianity_n among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n but_o his_o direction_n and_o practice_n do_v no_o more_o agree_v with_o our_o time_n wherein_o christianity_n be_v the_o national_a religion_n than_o the_o same_o clothes_n which_o we_o do_v wear_v in_o our_o infancy_n will_v serve_v we_o now_o at_o our_o full_a age._n we_o ought_v indeed_o to_o remove_v every_o straw_n out_o of_o child_n way_n lest_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v but_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o use_v the_o same_o care_n towards_o grow_v men._n there_o be_v not_o now_o among_o we_o any_o such_o competition_n between_o two_o religion_n but_o every_o one_o learn_v christianity_n as_o he_o do_v his_o mother-tongue_n st._n paul_n will_v not_o take_v that_o reward_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o himself_o labour_v hard_a night_n and_o day_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v chargeable_a to_o he_o convert_v 1_o thess_n 2.9_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o may_v see_v he_o do_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o belly_n but_o sure_o our_o dissenter_n do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o this_o example_n in_o place_n where_o public_a maintenance_n be_v settle_v on_o minister_n by_o law_n to_o refuse_v to_o take_v it_o and_o earn_v their_o own_o bread_n by_o some_o manual_a occupation_n though_o thereby_o they_o avoid_v give_v offence_n to_o quaker_n and_o those_o who_o call_v they_o hireling_n and_o say_v they_o prophesy_v only_o for_o filthy_a lucre_n in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o such_o weak_a person_n now_o among_o we_o as_o those_o be_v for_o who_o the_o apostle_n provide_v or_o as_o those_o little_a one_o be_v for_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v 2._o the_o dissenter_n according_a to_o their_o weak_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o far_a off_o from_o be_v weak_a christian_n in_o any_o sense_n they_o who_o take_v upon_o themselves_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o wise_a and_o better_a than_o their_o neighbour_n the_o only_a sober_a and_o godly_a party_n and_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o ignorant_a or_o profane_a with_o what_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v they_o plead_v for_o any_o favour_n to_o be_v show_v or_o regard_v to_o be_v have_v to_o they_o in_o compliance_n with_o their_o weakness_n though_o they_o love_v to_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n condescension_n to_o the_o ignorant_a jew_n or_o gentile_n yet_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o other_o case_n willing_o liken_v themselves_o to_o those_o weak_a believer_n or_o
babe_n in_o christ_n they_o have_v real_o better_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v leader_n and_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o prescribe_v to_o their_o governor_n and_o give_v law_n to_o all_o other_o and_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a opinion_n which_o they_o call_v their_o conscience_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n or_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o lawful_a superior_n and_o if_o in_o all_o instance_n we_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o as_o weak_a person_n turn_v they_o back_o to_o their_o primer_z advise_v they_o to_o learn_v their_o catechism_n they_o will_v think_v themselves_o high_o wrong_v and_o injure_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o ordinary_o look_v upon_o their_o opposition_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o high_a illumination_n a_o great_a knowledge_n than_o other_o have_v attain_v unto_o they_o rather_o count_v we_o the_o weak_a christian_n if_o some_o of_o they_o will_v allow_v we_o so_o much_o for_o otherwise_o if_o they_o do_v not_o take_v we_o for_o the_o weak_a and_o worse_a christian_n why_o do_v they_o separate_v from_o we_o why_o do_v they_o associate_v and_o combine_v together_o into_o distinct_a congregation_n as_o be_v pure_a more_o select_a christian_n than_o other_o now_o though_o such_o person_n as_o these_o may_v be_v in_o truth_n very_o weak_a of_o little_a judgement_n or_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o this_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o party_n yet_o these_o be_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n to_o plead_v for_o indulgence_n under_o that_o character_n nor_o to_o expect_v we_o shall_v forego_v our_o liberty_n to_o please_v and_o humour_n they_o 3._o those_o who_o be_v real_o weak_a that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a be_v to_o be_v bear_v withal_o only_o for_o a_o time_n till_o they_o have_v receive_v better_a instruction_n but_o we_o can_v be_v always_o babe_n in_o christ_n without_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n such_o as_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o the_o clear_a reason_n if_o it_o be_v against_o their_o interest_n or_o their_o party_n can_v upon_o no_o account_n claim_v the_o privilege_n of_o weak_a person_n of_o these_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o regard_n who_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o opposition_n matth._n 15.14_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o uncharitable_a as_o to_o condemn_v all_o or_o the_o generality_n of_o dissenter_n for_o be_v malicious_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o dissent_n from_o we_o but_o however_o 1._o i_o beg_v they_o to_o examine_v whether_o they_o have_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o have_v devout_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o free_v their_o mind_n from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o corrupt_a affection_n for_o otherwise_o their_o weakness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v pity_v than_o that_o man_n sickness_n who_o will_v not_o though_o he_o may_v be_v cure_v 2._o i_o must_v say_v that_o old_a and_o inveterate_a mistake_v that_o have_v be_v a_o 1000_o time_n answer_v and_o protest_v against_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v heed_v by_o we_o if_o people_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o lay_v aside_o their_o fancy_n they_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o compassion_n which_o st._n paul_n prescribe_v towards_o weak_a brethren_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o doubtful_a or_o suspicious_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o abuse_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n in_o they_o and_o the_o do_v of_o they_o be_v of_o some_o considerable_a consequence_n to_o i_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o forbear_v they_o no_o long_o than_o till_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o inform_v they_o right_o concern_v the_o innocency_n of_o my_o action_n and_o intention_n and_o give_v they_o notice_n of_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v possible_o happen_v to_o they_o if_o i_o dig_v a_o pit_n or_o lay_v a_o block_n in_o the_o way_n whereby_o other_o not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v hurt_n and_o wound_v i_o be_o guilty_a of_o cause_v they_o to_o fall_v but_o if_o they_o be_v plain_o and_o often_o tell_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o will_v run_v into_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v then_o only_o to_o thank_v themselves_o now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o case_n that_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n and_o misinterpretation_n it_o hold_v much_o more_o in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n where_o the_o offence_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injunction_n as_o from_o man_n gross_a ignorance_n misconceit_n or_o perverseness_n this_o shall_v suffice_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o weak_a brother_n ii_o i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o offend_v such_o a_o one_o people_z be_v general_o mistake_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o offend_v or_o give_v offence_n for_o by_o it_o they_o common_o understand_v displease_v or_o grieve_v another_o and_o make_v he_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o so_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o forbear_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o godly_a person_n do_v not_o like_a or_o approve_v of_o or_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o fancy_n or_o judgement_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v one_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o favour_v this_o conceit_n rom._n 14.15_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v grieve_v with_o thy_o meat_n now_o walk_v thou_o not_o charitable_o but_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o by_o grieve_v our_o brother_n be_v not_o mean_v displease_v but_o wound_v and_o hurt_v he_o and_o so_o it_o be_v use_v to_o denote_v that_o which_o cause_v grief_n or_o sorrow_n and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o destroy_v and_o put_v a_o stumbling-block_n or_o a_o occasion_n to_o fall_v v._o 15_o 21._o to_o be_v offend_v or_o grieve_v be_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o what_o another_o have_v do_v out_o of_o pity_n and_o concern_v for_o his_o soul_n but_o to_o receive_v hurt_v ourselves_o from_o it_o be_v draw_v or_o deceive_v into_o some_o sin_n by_o it_o but_o because_o many_o well-disposed_a people_n do_v think_v that_o they_o must_v not_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o good_a man_n be_v displease_v or_o grieve_v at_o i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v a_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o to_o censure_n and_o condemn_v and_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o or_o refuse_v to_o join_v any_o long_o with_o they_o in_o their_o separate_a congregation_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o peevishness_n and_o uncharitableness_n and_o be_v that_o very_a sin_n which_o st._n paul_n often_o warn_v his_o weak_a believer_n against_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v not_o rash_o judge_v those_o who_o understand_v their_o christian_a liberty_n better_o than_o themselves_o at_o this_o rate_n any_o company_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v resolve_v to_o quarrel_v with_o all_o that_o do_v not_o do_v as_o they_o do_v must_v oblige_v all_o to_o remain_v forever_o with_o they_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v they_o offence_n if_o what_o i_o do_v be_v not_o evil_a in_o itself_o it_o can_v become_v such_o because_o another_o man_n be_v causeless_o angry_a with_o i_o for_o do_v of_o it_o 2._o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o this_o fear_n of_o offend_v that_o be_v displease_v their_o weak_a brethren_n hinder_v their_o compliance_n with_o the_o church_n ought_v serious_o to_o examine_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o real_o only_o the_o care_n of_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n with_o that_o party_n or_o else_o the_o secure_n of_o some_o worldly_a interest_n that_o keep_v they_o from_o conformity_n 3._o if_o to_o displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n be_v the_o sinful_a offend_v he_o condemn_v by_o st._n paul_n it_o will_v prove_v a_o intolerable_a yoke_n upon_o man_n conscience_n and_o beget_v such_o endless_a perplexity_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o indifferent_a with_o a_o well-assured_a mind_n since_o one_o or_o other_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v scandalize_v at_o it_o we_o shall_v anger_v some_o by_o do_v other_o by_o forbear_v and_o since_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o weak_a be_v divide_v into_o several_a faction_n each_o condemn_v all_o the_o other_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comply_v with_o any_o one_o of_o they_o but_o we_o shall_v thereby_o displease_v all_o the_o rest_n 4._o if_o we_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v displease_v our_o weak_a brethren_n we_o do_v submit_v our_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a christian_n and_o yield_v they_o that_o authority_n over_o we_o which_o we_o deny_v to_o our_o lawful_a superior_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o those_o who_o think_v their_o christian_a liberty_n so_o much_o violate_v by_o the_o determination_n of_o their_o superior_n about_o indifferent_a matter_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o tie_v up_o